P.S. 19 Asher Levy

Well,this is my children first year at P.S.19, I am not to happy with many things that happen in the school. The first one is parents that have children in kindergarten and first grade are allow to walk their children in the morning to the lunchroom but parents that have children in second grade are not allow. The second one is second grade down are allow to wear Halloween costumes for their Halloween parties,but third grade to fifth grade not. The third one is any time the teacher is absent the kids are sent to other class room. The principal have to apply rules to everyone and every grades. Every students and parents should be treated equally. I also notice that there are certain parents that are allow in the building without signing. I have seen many students without uniforms and if that is the rule,the principal should apply it,don't let them in. We have to show our children that rules should alway be follow and respected. Every where we go we have rules. One mayor thing children don't get is any award for their good grades. The only award they get is a copy of perfect attendance without their names,black and white paper very unprofessional. I just throw it out.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my child's second year at PS19. Some of the changes that have been made are good. The building is more secure than before. Some parents don't like being able to walk there child to the classrooms. However, they need to understand that there are a lot of problems having massive amounts of adults in the building. The staff cannot be expected to recognize every parent, babysitter or family friend of every student. Now if there is any adult in the building that is not staff a red flag goes off. Before, anyone could get in the building. Parents used to hang out in the parent center all day, and treat it like their clubhouse. Not a big fan of the uniform. If kids want to bully, they will regardless. The focus should be on teaching respect. It has cost me $$$ too. The school has made efforts to increase parent involvement. There are now workshops where you can observe your child in class. The biggest problem is resource allocation. There is no music or art teacher and no subs. Class are split up when a teacher is absent, and sent to other classes. There is no excuse for this kind of disruption. It really makes me question the priorities of the administration.
--Submitted by a parent

I think this parent is wrong!! Uniform: They have exceptions for someone who can't afford. She just had to sign the form they gave to everyone. And uniform idea was brought up by parents, and voted by parents as well. Parents in school: They give parent passes to walk in with lower grade kids, and it is very safe, because only limited people can come in. Security is a lot better than before. Teachers' contact: They do give out teachers' contact e-mails, look at the school website, or just call if you have concern, and they have Family Instruction Morning every month to visit your kids' classes, also a lot of workshops for parents to support their kids. Is she reading all the prints from school? important ones are in Spanish as well.
--Submitted by a parent

PS 19 as soon as pricipal change the school was went down that I could seen clear. as soon as new pricipal come up she asked for uniform and she should know uniform is very expensive alot of perent could not paid for that with that expence now. Also this new pricipal was stopping parent walk with their kids in side school. I don't fell safe like that for my kid. Also is very hard to contact with the child's teacher if you want to know how your kid study you have to wait until the parent and teacher conference with report card came out by that time is that to late for your kids rate if they already fell. the school should provide each teachter email address so parent could get contact them easy
--Submitted by a parent

I was just reading the last review. . This parent is wrong. It is important for a principal to be involved in the aspect of the school. A great principal needs to be involved. The principal is available to speak to parents and the children. Last year people would walk in from the street and this year the security is tighten making it safer for the children. A great school needs a strong and involved principal. A principal is being paid to lead and be involved then having a principal that is not involved.
--Submitted by a parent

PS 19 would appear as normal as any other grade school within the area. The faculty seems pleasant enough with the children and parents and the environment is evidently orderly. What I sensed was an overall unease towards the principal by several teachers (to be left unnamed for obvious reasons) and numerous outspoken parents. My 8yr old child has attended Asher Levy for 3 years and has been a model student with excellent grades. However, he has indicated to both myself and his father in no uncertain terms that the new principal apparently makes it a point to interject herself into every aspect of the school day and that the teachers themselves have shown increasing frustration with this pattern of behavior. Of course, I cannot confirm nor deny any of these rumblings but I have spoken in confidence with several of my son s teachers who have implied that things are NOT the same at the school. Their expressions, mannerisms and demeanor are quite telling. I do not feel confident in the direction that PS 19 is heading in and have taken the steps necessary to take my son out of the school for the new school year come this fall.
--Submitted by a parent

My son currently is enrolled at PS19. The teacher that he has is great. She is doing a excellent job. The principal is always approciable and always there if you need her. This school does have excellent teachers, great leadership and great parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the previous comments that this school used to be excellent, but after a change in the principal, the test scores seem to have plummeted and so seems has the moral of the teachers. Many of the excellent teachers have left, although I am not sure why but perhaps many had an allegiance to the old principal who retired. In years past, I had my older children in this school and was incredibly happy, but this year I took out my child and moved them to PS 40, as overall the school is certainly not the same. The school appears to lack leadership, does not exude the friendly feeling it used to, and I just feel that since the change in principals, it is not the same at all and has gone down hill completely. Sad.
--Submitted by a parent

Lower rating? Do mean test scores? I know at least one parent who is taking their kids over to PS 40. So I checked that schools rating. Wow, an impressive 9. Should I consider the move also? Well, I looked at PS 19's test scores and their improvement is equally inspiring as PS 40's rating. For example - PS 19's third grade English rose from 60% in 2008 to 88% in 2009. Math: 82% in 2008 to 94% in 2009. All exceed the state average. On reflection, I see no reason to make the switch.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 kids in this school and what stands out the most to me is the Principal, the Teachers & Staff they really care about all the kids & Parents, today they put tears in my eye's as my oldest grauated from 5th grade, I have to 2 more to go and hopefully they will challenge them just has hard to reach there goal thank you PS19.... for all the hard work...
--Submitted by a parent